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Install DirectAdmin on Ubuntu

Run the official DirectAdmin installer on a clean Ubuntu server.

DirectAdmin2 min read6 screenshots

Requirements

  • Operating system. A supported, clean Linux install, such as a current Ubuntu LTS release. Check the DirectAdmin documentation for the versions it supports.
  • Fresh server. Do not install Apache, MySQL or PHP yourself before. DirectAdmin installs and manages its own web server, database, PHP and mail server (the "custombuild" system).
  • RAM. At least 1 GB (2 GB or more is better).
  • Disk space. Depends on the number of sites. Plan for at least 20 GB.
  • A license. DirectAdmin needs a license. You get a client ID and a license ID, tied to the IP address of the server. Get one from DirectAdmin or your provider.
  • A host name that points to the IP address (for example server.example.com).

Step 1: Update the system

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Updating the system

Set the host name:

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname server.example.com

Step 2: Install the tools the installer needs

sudo apt-get install wget tar gcc g++ make flex bison openssl libssl-dev perl libperl-dev libaio1 libaio-dev zlib1g zlib1g-dev libcap-dev bzip2 patch
Installing the dependencies

Step 3: Download the installer

wget -O setup.sh https://download.directadmin.com/setup.sh
Downloading setup.sh

Step 4: Make it executable

chmod +x setup.sh
Making the script executable

Step 5: Run the installer

Run it as root with your license key:

sudo ./setup.sh YOUR_LICENSE_KEY
Running the DirectAdmin setup

The installer asks for your client ID, license ID, host name and a few other choices. It then installs the packages. This can take up to an hour. Note the admin user name and password at the end.

Step 6: Log in

Open DirectAdmin in your browser:

https://your_server_ip:2222
The DirectAdmin login page

Log in as admin with the password the installer showed.

Secure DirectAdmin

  • Change the admin password at once.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication.
  • Limit access to port 2222 to your own IP address, if you can.
  • Keep the system and DirectAdmin updated.
  • Use a firewall.

Next steps

Create a reseller or user account, add a domain, and install an SSL certificate.

Note: Do not edit the main Apache configuration by hand. DirectAdmin rewrites it. Use CustomBuild and the custom config options.

Quick recap

  • Use a clean server and have a license.
  • Download setup.sh and run it with the license key.
  • Log in at port 2222.